For many people in the United States the obstacle to bariatric surgery is not the decision. It is the wait and the bill. This is how the two paths usually compare.
Time to surgery
- United States, with insurance: plans often require months of supervised diet, several specialist visits and a formal approval. Six months to a year from the first appointment to the operating room is common.
- Tijuana, self-pay: once your evaluation and pre-op tests are complete, surgery is usually scheduled within one to three weeks.
Cost
- United States, self-pay: a gastric sleeve commonly runs from about $15,000 to $25,000 USD, and a bypass can cost more.
- Tijuana: packages for US patients typically range from about $4,000 to $7,000 USD depending on the procedure and your BMI, and usually include the hospital, the surgeon, tests, hotel and ground transportation.
The difference comes mainly from hospital and administrative costs, not from the technique: the operation, the staplers and the laparoscopic equipment are the same.
What a lower price should not mean
A good price is only good if the essentials are in place. Before you book anywhere, check:
- Who operates: the surgeon's full name, license numbers and specialty training.
- Where: a hospital with intensive care, laboratory and imaging on site, not an office.
- What is included: ask for the quote in writing, with what is and is not covered.
- What happens afterwards: nutrition follow-up, a number to call and a summary for your doctor at home.
The bottom line
Tijuana makes surgery possible sooner and for less. It does not make it less serious. Choose the team first and the price second.
This page offers general information and does not replace a medical visit. Every case is assessed individually; results and recovery times vary from person to person.